The positive intent on the West Indians’ part lacking from the first game was on display last night at the Queen’s Park Oval, but it was no were near enough as India cantered to a 2-0 lead with consummate ease.

India won the toss and put the hosts in who brought in big hitting Kieron Pollard for Darren Bravo. Lendl Simmons and Kirk Edwards started brightly and looked in little trouble until spin was introduced. Amit Mishra got rid of Edwards with one that turned and bounced and sent shudders in the West Indian camp. However, Simmons and Sarwan resurrected the innings and kept scoring at a fast clip. Simmons brought up his fifth half century in his last seven games, but got out soon after. Samuels continued his good form and notched up a quick fire 36. The hosts were looking good at 175-2 with 14 overs remaining to post a total in excess of 260. However, Mishra changed the course of the game in his two over spell getting three wickets and the big one of Pollard for a duck. The Windies collapsed in a heap to 197-7 and looked like getting only 210. A lower order flourish from Captain Sammy and Rampaul took them a respectable 240-9.

The Indians looked comfortable during their chase although they lost Dhawan early. Parthiv Patel and Virat Kohli kept rotating the strike and the scoreboard kept ticking along. A rain break came at the end of the 22nd over with India at 100-1 and seemingly coasting towards victory. The revised target came out to be 183 in 37 overs which meant 83 runs were required off 90 deliveries. A little bit of panic set in as Patel went for rash strokes and got out to Anthony Martin with India requiring 55 runs. In walked captain Raina and although Kohli perished for a fluent 81, India rarely looked in any trouble as they wrapped up victory to go 2-0 up with three to play.

Where do the West Indies go from here? For starters, they need to get Chris Gayle back in the line up. Their top order batting seems to be coming good, but their good work is undone by the frail lower order. They could also think of playing all rounder Andre Russell as their fourth and fifth bowler seems to be leaking runs. A change of venue should hopefully bring a change in fortune. India will be extremely delighted with their work in Trinidad as they have started this tour on the right note. Over the next few days, a lot of heads will be scratched in the Windies board room.